New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1887-05-20
NO TROUBLE Ar PARK RIDGE.
ONE OFFENDER ABSENT AND ONE SILENT.
A WOMAN CONDUCTS THE sERvICEs-MR. LEACH

A WOMAN CONDUCTS THE sERvICEs-MR, LEACH
DOESN'T NTERFERE-A CROWD DISAPPOINTED.
Tho little entertainment that James Leach o.
Park Ridge N j., and HIS friends had prepared lor
EvangeIists Switzer and Mnason in tho shape OF
tar and feathcring exercise did not come on lasS
night, rs had been arranged One OF tho princlla
persons who was to be entertained was not on hahu
This was Mnason. who had been particularly strong
in his assertions that the prince Of devils ana his
imps would MT prevent his speaking.
All along the line Of the New-Jersey and New-forK
Railroad every ono talked yesterday of Mr.. Leachs
party and every one within a radius of ten miles
went t, Park Ridge to take hand Ill giving the two
preachers a coat Of down and pitch. 1t was Pc
culiar crowd that assembled around Evangelist
switzers lttlo tent shortly after dark. Long before
the time tho roads leading to the place were fleo
with dust raised by flying wheels and horses driven
by farmers and fhrmersi boys who were out to SEQ
tho fun. Half hour before the service began y
TRIBUNE reporter visited the evangclists home.
A peculiar sight met hira. Tho evangelist was on
his knees praying In loud voice for protectlon'
his wife joined with him in q shrill high TREBLE
and tho four little Children were weeping and moan
ing pitcousy ard begging God mot to Kill their
father tonight
Mr. Leach lei. his home a little after dusk dressed
I'm an old suit Of clothes and his face was party
concealed unIcr a brOad-brimmed felt hat. over 900
people, men, boys, women and girls gathered arouhu
tho lttlo tent A dim light shOne from Within
giving thu immediate nclghborhood weird appear
ance 1t was rcsOlute and sturdy-looking class
of men, and they appeared determined to carry out
tho threats made during the previous few days.
Tho services began with prayer by woman evan
gcllst from this city, who had been imported to hep
along tho regular cvangeists In their work She be,
caino greatly excited and grow eloquent as she calle1
upon all the prophets and saints known or heafd
OF protect leader from Injury She got up from
her kncclIng position In front OF Switzcr, who hai
placed several between himself ana the crOWuf
aud waving her long thin arms Ike the fans OF q
windmill. called upon God 20 strike With his Wra'h
any who mOcsted their meetings. Mr.. sWtLer
Joined IN singing a salvation Amy song that followed,
There only few in the tent, but they all TOOK
part in tho services though nothing unusual was
likely p occur. Mrs Howell, tho excited evangelist
stood m again 20 make the address OF the evening.
She mado telling hits that caused those present
TO vince somewhat, and she quoted in peculiar ana
somewhat incorrect manner verses from the Blble
10 nail her arguments with.
Mr.. Leach did not attempt 10 interfere after ne
left his house fully determined TO be on hand ana
start the ball rolling anything personal was sald.
Several OF tho moro sObeT-mndcd OF tho villagers
got around him and induced him to go home With
OFT Attempting any interference. "A Mnason had not
appeared Mr.. Icachs wrath somewhat apTeased,
so no finally yielded to the advice and went home
with his
During tho services several OF the country boys
let Oft punches OF firc-crackers NJ tho rear OF the
tent and neag the hOlo that Mr.. switLer had letu
10 run through I'm assault was made upon
tho tent. Thoee inside did not mind this and pro-
ceedcd with the services despite the explosions and
the mocking cries and cat-calls OF the boys swhnr
dill not say word. decmng IL better TO let the
women carry OIL tho meeting.